https://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike.atomAll In Multitool - Serious About Mountain Biking2018-08-01T07:49:00+02:00All In Multitoolhttps://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike/best-mountain-bike-multi-tool-a-guide-to-the-all-in-multitool2018-08-01T07:49:00+02:002018-08-25T07:12:57+02:00Best Mountain Bike multi tool with chain breaker toolGianni CommessattiMore]]>
Best Mountain Bike Multi tool – A guide to the All In Multitool

Although mountain biking is a very fulfilling leisure activity, to get the most out of your riding excursions, you have to take care of your mountain bike.

Whether you ride for fitness or fancy commuting off or on road, you know that at one or another, the bike is going to break down. Having a chain break a couple of miles into the woods is not an out of the realm possibility, it does happen.

And when it finally happens, best mountain bike multi tool like the All In Multitool allows you to make repairs and adjustments easily and quickly can be a lifesaver.

Made of a high resistance steel and coated with nickel, 100 percent handcrafted and designed in Italy, the tool features 6 different customizable tool bits and a convenient storage for a swift link for the chain. The real magic is that you can store it in your crank axle, for the very first time in mountain bike history.

This technically means it is always on your bike without even having to worry or think about it. Actually, it follows the modern trend of system integration, which stores all important gear on the bike itself.

Bike Chain Breaker Tool included – This is the All In Multitool V2

Moreover, since July 2018, included on board in the V2 release, the All In Multitool has also a very reliable bike chain breaker tool.

Now, despite its miniature size, this 2018 best mountain bike multi tool features a wide array of handy tools ideal for handling most on the trail fixes. What’s more, it’s not just mountain bikers that the tool can be useful to. If you are a road biker who likes taking long trips, you can also run into scenario where your bike needs an emergency repair as well and the last thing you want to do is walk home (please ask for compatibility with your road bike crankset!).

This model will not only get the job done with precision, but done well too.

Best Mountain Bike Multi Tool with Chain Breaker Tool, a short history

We have all been through this, after a fall or while riding you notice the stem is not aligned or there is a loose bolt. And when you reach for your multi-tool, you realize it is not there because like most bikers you have several backpacks or you don’t even use one on your after work ride which makes it easy to forget essential gear like multi-tools at home. So to address such issues, our inventor and CTO Giacomo Macoratti developed a very innovative tool, the All In Multitool. From the first sketch to the initial 3D printed prototype, the Italian teacher recounts the 24 months process of pain staking refinement and continual testing until he was ultimately satisfied that the device delivered a gratifying performance! He also admits that though he originally conceived the whole idea for personal use, the overwhelming positive responsive to the early prototypes he got from his relatives and friends prompted him to keep refining the product. Eventually, during the expo of the Enduro World Series 2016 in Finale Ligure he launched the model, where all the pre-production tools sold out. Since then the model has undergone major upgrades making it easy to remove it from the hollow axle cranks thanks to a new edge in the cap and finally adding the chain breaker tool, the most requested feature by his customers. The body has also undergone treatment to significantly minimize the risk of rusting. It features magnetized slots for 6 included bits (3, 4, 5, 6 mm hex keys, a Philips head screwdriver, a Torx T25). The bits are of made of best anti-rust quality steel and it’s easy to customize them to what your two-wheeler requires. They are indeed similar to those found in most hardware stores. They are treated which means they won’t rust even in wet weather inside the unsealed crankset tube. It also comes with a mast chain link that fits most 9, 10, 11 and now also the 12-speed Eagle links. The piece can fit inside most crank axles with a 21mm diameter or above. However, the force of attraction usually depends on the design of the crankset as well as how much aluminum is between the steel axle and the tool.

In the middle of 2018, Giacomo Macoratti closes the All In Multitool V2 project, releasing the new model with the chain breaker tool included. It has the same weight of the previous model, 115 grams and, most remarkable, the same price!

The new bike chain breaker feature available on the V2 model makes it very easy to open the chain in emergency situations. Featuring a powerful push action, the chain tool can easily push away any pin even the most stubborn ones. The strong and conveniently shaped handle allows it to withstand vast uses as a one-stop chain tool for most bikes. What’s more, it is very easy to use that even novices in the biking game will find it very user-friendly. And unlike cheaper models, it has great pin alignment making it very comfortable to use. All you have to do is remove the round handle, insert the 4mm hex bit; open the chain pin and you will be good to go. It works exactly like any other high end bike chain tool if not better. It gets the job done flawlessly.

Mountain Bike Multi Tool features

Best mountain bike multitool needs to be versatile, durable, strong, and easy to store and travel with. The model must keep wheels turning whether on or off road at all times. Everybody want a model that packs a lot of tools in a package that is not only lightweight but easy to store too. Moreover, nobody want a multi tool that is too heavy holding back or down from enjoying the ride. This All in Multitool offers exactly that! Actually, when it comes to function and feel, the model is one of the best tools available for cyclists. When you use it as a straight screw driver, it is easy and comfortable to quickly loosen or tighten bolts. This is especially dazzling when disassembling and assembling your bike. The hinged driver on the other hand, is rotatable 90 degrees which makes it easy to access even hard to reach typical bolts. You can also use it for awkward bolts and workarounds. Its textured end piece makes it easy to grip while the slightly heavy and round design feels nice in hand.

Just like a Swiss Army Knife, best mountain bike multi tool should be able to help dealing with any break down or maintenance issues that might be encountered while out riding or just as a do it all tool home workshop tool. It should be practical enough to allow use of all its features and not have “empty” or impractical features. A well thought out tool should be comfortable and durable. And the All In Multitool offers more than that! So if you are looking for the best mountain bike multi tool with the bike chain breaker tool on it, this is the guy. Its most notable feature is its easy to access and store design. It simply slides into the crank tube of the bike and can be retrieved very easily. Also, unlike most regular multi tools where you have to remember to drop them in your pocket or strap them to the bike every time you go out for a ride so as to make sure they are with you when you need them, with the All In Multitool you don’t have to remember anything! Instead of storing it in a pouch roll or bag it is designed to be stored conveniently on the bike, ensuring you will never forget it. Additionally, you do not need to install any kind of mount on your bike to stash it. It has a home inside your bike’s hollow crank making it part of your bicycle. It is designed to fit on most hollow cranks, which means if you have a normal sized bike, it should fit perfectly. The seven neodymium super magnets on its cap secure it to the surface firmly so there is a very minimal chance of it falling off even through rough rides. If you like a comfortable, lightweight and centrally located bit driver with the bike chain tool included, you will definitely appreciate our All In Multitool (Have a look at our best mountain bike multi tool reviews)...

Have fun and enjoy your ride!

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https://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike/german-design-award-winners-20182018-02-27T22:00:00+01:002018-03-27T14:23:19+02:00German Design Award Winners 2018Gianni CommessattiMulti tool for mountain bikes that hides itself in the crankset of the bicycle. Its neodymium super magnets lock it firmly and offers safety and reliability.

THE PRIZE THAT VISUALIZES SUCCESS

"The German Design Award directly contributes to the overall commercial success. Prizes will only be awarded to projects that truly represent pioneering contributions to the German and international design landscape. The highly esteemed, international jury guarantees this. The German Design Award identifies and presents unique design trends: a competition that advances the design-oriented scene."

THE ORGANISER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The German Design Council, the expert for brand and design in Germany, bestows the German Design Award. Commissioned by the highest authority to represent new developments in the German design industry. Established on the initiative of the German Bundestag (the lower house of German parliament) as a foundation in 1953, it supports the industry in all matters consistently aimed at generating an added brand value through design. As a result, the German Design Council is one of the world’s leading competence centres for communication and brand management in the field of design. The exclusive network of foundation members includes in addition to designers and design associations, in particular the owners and brand directors of numerous renowned companies.

Description

Multi tool for mountain bikes that hides itself in the crankset of the bicycle. Its neodymium super magnets lock it firmly and offers safety and reliability. It can carry six different bits and two chain links. Very handy and useful.

Jury statement

The unbelievably compact All-In-Multitool contains a full set of tools for mountain bikes.

Winner

Excellent Product DesignWorkshop and Tools

Client

Interstellar Overdrive Srl

Design

Interstellar Overdrive Srl, Giacomo Macoratti

Watch the Award video below.

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https://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike/who-is-sam-hill2017-10-26T22:58:00+02:002017-12-28T11:25:01+01:00Who is Sam Hill?Gianni CommessattiMore]]>
Sam Hill is the 2017 overall winner of the Enduro World Series. Sam took the third place in the final round in Finale Ligure, Italy, and this was enough to secure him his first Enduro World Championship title. Sam Hill was born in Viveash, Western Australian on 21 July, 1985. Since the age of 16, Sam has been a top downhill mountain biker. Between 2006 and 2007, Sam won the UCI World Downhill Championship two consecutive times.

In 2010, he won the Mont Saint Anne World Championships being sponsored by the Monster Energy. As of 2016, Sam started racing Enduro fulltime, and this year he has won the 2017 Enduro World Series title. This year, Sam Hill used the same bike to win Downhill World Championships in Cairns, Australia and finished in the sixth position.

Sam Hill: Riding Style and Strategies

Sam Hill is popularly known for his unique skills in riding steep, technical courses rather than flatter courses that need pedaling. In fact, he has consecutively won on one of the steepest and most complicated tracks on the World Cup Circuit, Schladming. In 2016, he attained a second place finish in Round 3 of the Enduro World Series in Ireland on a course that needed significant technical ability and pedaling strength.

Enduro racing does bring in new elements to the traditional downhill riding Sam is used to. However, at the end of the day, all what is important is to get down the mountain the fastest and there are many better at that than Hill. He adds that he had to change some of his strategies to emerge the winner. He had to learn how to cope with the longer events and the two day Enduro races.

According to Mr. Hill, the tracks in Finale, Italy are very steep and rocky, and given the lack of moisture at this EWS event, they become incredibly dusty and slippery. With 7 stages over two days and slim lead in the title chase, the goal is to win the championship. Not one to take a conservative approach to racing, Sam Hill attacked as always, taking third place for the Weekend only at 30.49 seconds off the lead after 49 minutes of the total timed stages in round eight.

To win the 2017 EWS title, Sam says he has done things his own way: supreme bike skills, a lot of training and determination, amazing team support, flat pedals, family man and the crucial use of the All In Multitool. All these factors contributed to his success in one way or the other.

Sam Hill: Nukeproof Mega 275 Carbon

This is not first time we have heard of the Nukeproof Mega 275 Carbon, but this bike Hill used to win the 2017 Enduro World Series and achieve a sixth position in the DH World Championships in Cairns. Developed about four years ago and now available to the general public, it has been a long road to get there. The Nukeproof Mega 275 bike has 165 mm of rear travel delivered through a Horst Link suspension, wide shock hardware to enhance resistance to side loading. The bike was designed to be 1x specific to stiffen up the bottom brackets.

The new carbon fiber model features identical geometry as the aluminum model, but is a little stiffer and lighter for riders who want that little bit extra. Nukeproof says the new carbon has been introduced to cater for the hard charging riders, like Sam. The bike’s cable routing is also very well worked out as well as its mechanics. Nukeproof has also added an access an access window to help with cable access. An aluminum rear triangle has also been added to cater for riders who keep hammering into the terrains regularly.

When compared to the earlier model, the Mega 275 has been improved to make it more reliable, efficient and fast. First, the manufacturer has made Handlebars and increased Headtubes 5mm longer to provide a higher stack height. Top tubes, on the other hand, have been made longer between 10 to 35mm in the L and XL models to give a greater separation of sizes and accommodate taller riders more efficiently. The entire range has been pushed up to Boost in the rear and front for maximum performance and all have good tires.

Sam Hill: All In Multitool

A multi tool is an essential first aid kit for any EWS rider. Trail side repairs will come up sometime or the other. Having an efficient set of tools to get you on the roll is vital. The All In Multitool is a well made multi tool with all the crucial wrenches stuffed in a neat frame and hidden in the crankset. Sam Hill says that the All in Multitool has all the tools that a bike requires.

The All In Multitool comes with an ergonomically designed handle made of lightweight but super tough composite materials. Made in Italy, the All In Multitool is lightweight to ensure you can carry around inside your bike's crankset. All its tools are made from heat treated tool for maximum strength and durability. The tools also feature an anti corrosion finish to ensure their long lasting performance.

Sam Hill: What to Expect in 2018

Accordin to Sam Hill, it was massive to accomplish a dream he set for himself at the beginning of the year. He said that he felt a lot of stress at the beginning of the week, but once he started racing, he was more relaxed and just focused on one stage at a time. Next year, Sam says he will focus on the Enduro World Series and try to defend his title. He says he has learnt a lot this year, and he feels kike that he will come back even stronger. Sam also said that he is not sure whether he will race in World Cups as he had no plans to do so. During the off season, Hill said he will commence his winter training to continue dominating through the 2018 season.

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https://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike/all-bicycles-infographic-heres-the-complete-map-of-bikes-universe2017-08-16T15:35:00+02:002017-12-28T11:21:50+01:00All Bicycles Infographic: The complete map of bikesGianni Commessatti
Have a look at this great infographic of all kind of bicycles in the market right now... Where does your bike fit in with this chart? Does the All In Multitool fit? Enjoy!

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Mountain Bike gear is of course our job... But trying to find out where exactly our great All In Multitool could be useful (and compatible) we ended up drawing this universal map of (almost) all kind of bicycles.

Hope you enjoy!

Thanks to Alexandre for the original design!

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https://allinmultitool.co.uk/blogs/seriously-about-mountain-bike/all-what-you-need-to-know-about-enduro-world-series2017-07-02T15:46:00+02:002017-12-28T11:25:44+01:00Enduro World Series - All You Need to Know About itGianni CommessattiEnduro World Series (EWS) is a stage-race format designed for mountain bike riders.

Originating from France in 2003, the format is based on motorbike enduro. Enduro is its most basic definition is a type of mountain bike racing where downhills are time and uphills are not.

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Enduro World Series (EWS) is a stage-race format designed for mountain bike riders.

Originating from France in 2003, the format is based on motorbike enduro. Enduro is its most basic definition is a type of mountain bike racing where downhills are time and uphills are not. Racing is over a series of special stages and whoever has the fastest combined time after these stages becomes the winner. The first staging of Enduro World Series was, in 2013. Today, EWS has established itself as the standard bearer for the for enduro mountain bikes.

According to the EWS Rule Book, the race is designed to be a definitive test for mountain bike riders, with the aim of creating a great adventure, competition, community, and atmosphere for the competitor. EWS is organized by a partnership of seven enduro racing bodies in different parts of the world. The umbrella organization is known as The Enduro Mountain Biking Association (EMBA). EMBA is responsible for coming up with rules that all riders must follow to compete against each other. In this article, we will discuss all the important details you need to know about the Enduro World Series, including tips on how to enter the next EWS race.

Why the Enduro World Series is Cool

EWS has always been great for allowing the general public to compete against the world’s best riders in a social race format. Here are other top reasons why EWS is a cool mountain biking race.

· You Ride and Race in Amazing New Locations

Most EWS events feature new tracks, normally inaccessible outside the race. This format gives you a chance to explore completely new and challenging tracks specifically designed for the event. These tracks may be something completely new or old natural trails that have been reopened; either way, they will be new.

· Everyone Races the Same Course

Another amazing feature about EWS is that everyone races the same course – whether one is a newbie or a top professional. This means you will often see the past and current legends out on the same tracks as you, but you might beat them. Sounds impossible? In EWS, you might become the fastest rider in the first few stages, but if you crash or run out of steam later in the day, it is all for nothing. As the popular enduro saying goes “To Finish Fast, First You Must Finish”.

Hone Your Riding Skills

Enduro races are a perfect place to enhance your mountain biking skills. This is because races make you work a little bit harder than just when riding. In the EWS, you will have someone 20 seconds in front and another 20 seconds behind as you fly down technical skills. The incentive to carry speed and clean lines you may not go for is there! You will come from the EWS event feeling more confident and stronger.

· The Atmosphere is Awesome

It is a fact to say that the atmosphere at an EWS event is pretty awesome. From catching up at the bottom of a timed stage where everyone is buzzing, to spending time on transitions with new faces, EWS has a really fun and welcoming atmosphere. Regardless of how seriously the racers are taking things, there is always time to have fun!

· Enjoy Quality Time on the Bike

It is a fact bike racing is expensive. However, unlike other races, such as DH where you might manage a whole fifteen minutes, or XC where your entry might get you to 2 or 3 hours on the bike top, you will likely see more than 6 hours out on the trails with Enduro races.

Where Does Enduro World Series Take Place?

As the name suggests, Enduro World Series takes place at different locations around the world. Since the race has more than 6 rounds. Organizers of the race distribute the rounds to various locations around the world. For example, The Enduro Mountain Biking Association has already launched its 2017 calendar. This year the race will have eight rounds that will be held as follows:

• Round 1: Rotorua, New Zealand ( March 25 to March 26)

• Round 2: Tasmania, Australia ( April 8 to April 9)

• Round 3: Madeira, Portugal ( May 13 to May 14)

• Round 4: Co Wicklow, Ireland ( May 24)

• Round 5: Millau, France ( July 1 to July 2)

• Round 6: Aspen- Snowmass, USA ( July 29 to July 30)

• Round 7: Whistler, Canada ( August 13)

• Round 8: Finale Ligure, Italy ( September 30 to October 1)

Top Racers in Enduro World Series Races

In men’s race, Ritchie Rude has remained the champion since 2016. EWS fans say that it is only with a persistent inauspicious streak of mechanicals or either injury that will make Rude not to win the men’s race this October. In the women’s race, it is also the case Cecile Ravanel, Last year’s champion remains the clear top racer for the crown in 2017. Cecile has consistently topped at every round and is not typically afflicted by injuries or mechanicals.

5 Bikes Used by Top Racers in Enduro World Series

If you looking for a new enduro bike this year, below are 5 bikes that are commonly used by top EWS racers. These bikes are designed to be versatile, able to handle rigors of EWS racing, including long hours of ride time, technical descents and long climbs. Their geometry is designed to allow efficient power transfer while pedaling and stable, nimble handling on timed downhill stages.

1. Yeti SB6C

The Yeti SB6C is one of the bikes that has been winning in most EWS races. Between the knees of the Big America Richie Rude, the Yeti SB6 is the first ever back to back EWS title winner. Yeti SB6c has a unique suspension system that makes pedaling easy, tackles climbs efficiently and descends downhill smoothly. The bike has an enduro-focused geometry, with extended chainstays that allow you to enjoy a stable centered riding position. Its lightweight carbon frame is a definite bonus when you are in the saddle for hours at a time and riding back to back days means that you will have less weight to shift up those climbs.

2. Nukeproof Mega 290 Pro

The Mega 290 was the bike used by Sam Hill to win at the Enduro World Series Valberg towards the end of 2016 season. The bike has an interesting international history. It was first designed in Northern Ireland and was used by an Australian to win a race in France all in the livery of American monster track. The Mega 290 Pro comes with 29 inch and 27.5-inch wheel sizes and a sturdy aluminum construction. It has a more affordable price when compared to other top enduro bikes. Even with its palatable price tag, it comes with all the essential fineries, including a smattering of Nukeproof’s excellent own brand kit and a suspension by RockShock.

3. Santa Cruz Nomad

Whether you like the bright turquoise or the stealth black carbon, the Santa Cruz Nomad is a bike pedigree. Its new geometry, including the steeper seat tubes for control and power on the climbs and the slacker head angles for confident descending, makes this bike perfect for EWS races. It boasts a suspension system that efficiently smoothens out rough terrain, with a lower link that tucks at the rear bottom bracket and out of the way of rock strikes. Its 650b wheels when combined with its trusted suspension system to give you an agile ride that can handle the huge variety of terrain that EWS racers encounter.

4. Canyon Strive

The Canyon Strive is an affordable enduro mountain bike that incorporates what Canyon calls the Shapeshifter technology. The Shapeshifter technology allows the bike to quickly adjust its travel and geometry depending on whether it is descending or climbing. The Canyon Strive was designed by EWS racer Fabien Barel. Later, the Bike was used by both Barel and Joe Barnes to take multiple Enduro World Series stage wins.

5. Mondraker Dune Carbon XR

The Mondraker Dune is another premium choice for most EWS racers. It comes with Mondraker’s Forward, which means a longer wheelbase and top tube that most EWS competitors combine with a short stem. This gives the rider a good control on descents and a feeling of stability. The Dune also comes with the exceptional Fox Float X2 and Fox 36 forks Kashima Shock, which both feature low and high-speed adjustable compression rebound and damping. This means that the Mondraker Dune is specially designed to professionally handle most technical of timed sections.

How to Enter the Enduro World Series Race

The EWS aims to be open to as many riders as possible. To enter the race, you can choose one of the four routes available at any EWS event. These four routes include:

1. The Reserved List

It is a list of individual riders who are awarded the opportunity to take part in all EWS events at the beginning of the year. Reserved list are given a pre-entry window in which to join the race. The list consists of:

• Top 80 men, 15 women, 15 under 21s, and 15 Master from official qualifying ranking on December 31st of the previous year.

• 20 wildcard per event, given to each organizer for awarding local racers and young talented riders.

• 4 riders per event from each official EWS team

• Top two ranked male and female riders from the regional and nation Enduro series

The Qualifier Series Ranking system was designed in 2016 to allow riders to take part in the official qualifier event around the world and earn ranking points as well as a place on the Reserved List. To be eligible to earn Qualifier Points, riders must be licensed EMBA members. Points for the EWS Qualifier Ranking are awarded according to the overall finishing position of the rider. To get the final qualifying results, the highest three qualifying results of each rider will added. The top 30 women, 80 men, 15 under 21s and 15 masters from the Final Qualifying Ranking are included in the current year’s Reserved List. Additionally, the winner in each EWS Qualifying category will automatically be included in the following year’s list.

3. Global Wildcard

A Global Wildcard is a special invited to an Enduro World Series race. Global Wildcard applications are open during public lotteries and are very hard to get. The EMBA board chooses twenty riders based on category, dedication, potential, experience, and nationality. All applications are taken into consideration, but the main goal is to choose new, fresh and young talented riders from developing nations. Other riders that are given special considerations include highly qualified enduro racers who have missed the race because of injuries or riders with excellent performances of their game in other cycling disciplines.

4. Public Lotteries

Any additional spaces for an EWS event following the aforementioned pre-qualified riders are released in January each via a public lottery system. Lucky entrants are chosen randomly and following lottery rules are followed.

• Riders are allowed to only apply once. Duplicate applications are rejected automatically.

• Group applications are permitted: If you want to compete at any EWS race with teammates or partners, groups of up to three people are allowed to join the lottery as a group. In this, either everyone in the groups wins or no one does. The probability of being chosen as a group is the same as being chosen as an individual. You can either register as an individual or as a part of a group, not both. If you are applying individually or as a member of a group you will have all your applications rejected.

• Those that enter the lottery during the 48 hour period have equal chances of being selected.

• By joining the Lottery, riders automatically authorize EMBA to charge their credit card the entry fee. The list of successful applicants will be posted at enduroworldseries.com.

EWS racing has established itself as the newest and most exciting form of mountain biking since 2014. The Enduro World Series has attracted professional riders from around the world to compete against each in seven or eight races around the world. With a good understanding of the above information and proper training, you can also participate in this famous EWS event. Before entering an EWS race, make sure you have done enough training and that you have the right enduro bike.

It combines the physical endurance of cross-country mountain bike riding with the excitement and technical difficulty of downhill mountain bike racing.

Enduro mountain bike racing began in Europe with the influence from motorbike, enduro racing and car rally racing. The concept was simple: to get to the top of a mountain and race to the bottom time trial style.

Today, enduro races have three to six timed stages. In most cases, these timed stages are usually downhill but can vary in length, steepness, and difficulty depending on location. There are untimed “transfer stages” between each stage that are mostly uphill. Transfer stages can involve sections of good old-fashioned pedaling, a chair lift and hike-a-bike, depending on the race.

Each enduro race has a different skill, style, and fitness requirement as well as a set of rules unique to each event. But for the most part, enduro is meant to be a convenient, fun and exciting form of mountain biking. It is an awesome form of mountain biking meant for all levels of riders.

Are you new to enduro mountain biking and want to know how to get started? This article will provide all the essential details you need to get involved.

Why Enduro Mountain Biking is Ideal for Newbies

Even though it does require some skill and physical fitness to complete the course, Enduro Mountain Biking is an approachable cycling discipline for starters. Here are a few reasons to prove it.

• The People are Amazing

Unlike other forms of mountain bike racing, enduro is known to have a friendly atmosphere. Wait for your friends to finish the time stage runs and then ride to the top together. And of course, celebrate with the new and old friends at the finish line with race take, tasty beverages, and delicious food.

• Everyone Rides the Same Course

With enduro racing, everyone rides the same course regardless of the skill level or gender. Thus, you can compare your times to everyone else’s regardless of your classification.

• It is Easy to Handle

During Enduro races, it is just you, your bike and the clock. There are no worries when it comes to passing or getting passed since you are sent off down the trail at 30 seconds to 1-minute intervals. If you get passed or need to pass someone, it is usually just one person at a time. This makes it much easier to handle than a whole group in an XC race.

• It is a Motivated Trail Ride

Enduro is a form mountain bike riding that you can do with a bunch of new and old friends. It continually motivates you to push your limits on the descents.

• You Can Carry Your Pack Around

In other forms of racing, you will be scoffed at for carrying a bag. However, in enduro, it is quite important you have a bag. If you get flat or other mechanical, you are responsible. You will certainly love the opportunity for snacking!

How to Choose the Right Enduro Mountain Bike Newbies

It is absolutely essential that you choose the right enduro mountain bike. If not, your confidence, happiness, and handling skills will suffer. You will want a bike you can ride up and down hills all day. Here are valuable tips on how to choose the right enduro mountain bike for your ride.

Tip 1: Find the Right Fit

Bikes are manufactured in a large variety of sizes ranging from xx-small, extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. Sizing is not consistent across manufacturers. Thus, it is essential to check the actual measurement and the manufacturer’s guideline for fit and sizing. Some of the key aspects to consider are:

• Reach: This is the distance from the center of the head-tube, horizontally out to the point above the center of the bottom rack. It is important to ensure your bike has the right reach to prevent your knees knocking the handlebars when climbing.

• Stand-over Height: The stand-over height is how tall your bike is at the point you stand over it. You should have a minimum of 2 inches between the top tube and yourself. A maximum of 5 inches is also fine for aggressive rides. An ideal stand-over height helps you figure out how likely you are to take a very unpleasant shot on a quick/surprise dismount.

• Effective Top tube Length: This is the horizontal distance from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube. This measurement affects your biking comfort, controlling how stretched out you are hen riding.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Suspension

The type of suspension your enduro mountain bike should have depends on the terrain you will be riding on. If the trails are steep and technical, you will want a bike with a higher squash (140 -160mm of travel). If you are planning to participate in a local enduro that does not involve lots elevation changes, you can choose a bike with less travel (100 to140mm of front and rear suspensions.)

Tip 3: Go for the Best Groupset

A groupset consists of brakes and the bike’s drivetrain. The drivetrain is made up of a crankset with chain-rings, a cassette of gears on the rear wheel, a chain, a rear derailleur and a shift to operate it all. For the groupset components, more expensive means lighter and better construction. This can translate to a smooth operation and enhanced durability.

Modern mountain bikes are fitted with disk brakes. These brakes are made up of a wheel-mounted metal plate gripped by hydraulically operated calipers. When choosing disk brakes, consider the size of the metal plate, called a rotor, a bigger one will give you more braking power.

Tip 4: Choose the Right Tires and Gearing

Researching your trail conditions will help determine what tires are ideal for you. Some of the key factors to consider when choosing tires include weight, traction, and size. Heavier tires are slower to spin, but are quite durable. Less traction equals more speed. More traction equals more control and likely a little more weight. Most mountain bike tires are 2.3’’ across. However, there are now plus-sized tires that range from 2.5” to 2.8”. These provide a bit of extra suspension and more traction. Wheels also affect the size of the tires; wide rims allow the tire to square off and spread, offering better traction.

When it comes to choosing the gearing, go for a wide selection. This is because enduro mostly covers the spectrum from steep and fast descents to long and technical uphills. On top of this, chain guides are also a good idea for those rough downhills.

Tip 5: Choose the Large Wheel Size

The wheel sizes of most mountain bikes today are 27.5 inches to 29 inches. Large wheel sizes impact roots or rocks at shallower angles, allowing the wheel to roll over obstacles easily. Thus, most lines are easier to clean on bigger wheels. The 27.5-inch wheel size is more stable and maneuverable than 29 inches ones. The 29-inch wheel, on the other hand, has a larger contact patch connecting with the ground. This gives you more grip when hammering on the pedals.

Enduro Race Essentials: The Checklist for the Beginner Competitor

Carrying he right equipment in enduro racing, will help to keep you safe and allow you to concentrate and most importantly enjoy the task at hand. Here are the essentials for an enduro race:

• A Full Face Helmet

Full face helmets are increasingly becoming a mandatory kit for the timed sessions of many enduro races. For that reason, it is possible you will need one for your race. However, each event is different and it important you take a good look at the regulations of the event in question. But one thing for sure, you will be required to wear some type of helmet at all times. Thus, consider the weather, steepness, terrain when choosing a helmet for your event. Many riders carry a pack that allows them to strap an extra helmet to swap into for the transfer section between stages.

• Knee Pads

As a rider, it is quite important to look after your knees. There are many types of knees pads available in the market today, and it is vital you choose pads that will keep your elbows, shins and knees well protected.

• Gloves

Riding gloves help to protect from painful injuries. When paired with the right set of grips, gloves help to prevent your hands from getting sweaty or torn up.

• Back/ Hydration Pack

It is important that you keep yourself hydrated during the race. A well-sorted hydration pack means that you will have all the items you need to make your race enjoyable. You can bring items such as basic fix-a-flat tools, your phone, food, and enough water to last you the day. Hydration packs include a spine protector, which adds useful protection without affecting the comfort of the rider. Moreover, it is important to pack the right contents in your bag. Avoid putting heavy and solid objects that could pose a risk to your body in a crash scenario.

• Eyewear

Riding in your first enduro might be an emotional experience, but you do not want to end your day with bleary red eyes. Thus, goggles or cycling glasses are essential part of your enduro kit. Eyewear not only protects you from flying mud and debris but also ensures that you can see as you fly down the trail.

• Waterproof Jacket

You certainly do not know how weather will be like the entire day. That is why it is important to keep a decent packable waterproof jacket in your bag at all times.

• Shoes

The right footwear is quite essential. Clipless shoes will give you a power advantage. However, riders who love the freedom of flats are now split for choice by a selection of stiff soled shoes.

• Long Sleeves and Baggy Shorts

You can race an enduro in your skin suit. However, the more clothing you have on, the more protected you are going to be should you have a fall.

• Tooling

Some tools you carry with you include, at least one inner tube, trusty tire levers, CO2 inflator and a few cartridges. These tools will help you back on the trail as quickly as possible, if you find yourself deflated. Consider adding a regular multi-tool as it provides you with everything you need to fix most mechanical mishaps.

Top Reasons Why Enduro Mountain Biking is Awesome

Enduro mountain biking is not just a sport. It is a way of life. Here are top reasons why enduro mountain bike newbies is awesome.

Biking gives you a Better Workout

Enduro mountain biking improves your cardiovascular fitness for spinning at high cadence for a long time. Mountain biking requires much more dynamic fitness from quick bursts to sustained cardio outputs, and incorporates many muscle groups.

Quite and Solitude

Enduro mountain bike trails usually take you to remote, peaceful places, where you can enjoy the great outdoors, mediate and commune with nature. It is rare to get such opportunities on a road bike, unless you live in an area with rarely-used paved roads.

Bring Adventure into Your Life

Enduro mountain biking is by nature a pretty adventurous sport, which evokes a certain spirit of risk-taking and exploration. Since it is adventurous, it certainly makes you a much more interesting person.

Better Networking

Whether you are struggling through strains of physical exertion or assisting a fellow rider fix a flat tire, enduro mountain biking offers insights into your friends and partners that other races cannot offer. Their strength, determination, and attitude of their resolve will all come to light. This sport allows you to actively network more actively with other riders.

Get Close to Nature

Research shows that those who are able to distance themselves from everyday havoc and noise find reprieve in the tranquility of nature are more energetic, less stressed and happier. Enduro mountain biking allows you to get back into nature, real nature.

Enduro mountain biking is an awesome cycling discipline for both newbies and pros. As mentioned earlier, enduro races vary widely. Some races cover up to 40 miles, climb 8,000 feet, and an hour of time sections, over rough terrain. Others cover 15miles, very little elevation and have a total of about 20 minutes times descents. Pick your race based on your strength. If you are unsure of your ability on more technical trails, go for a race in a flatter region. If you like riding downhill, pick a race at a ski mountain where you can rally technical descents, and may be lucky to catch the chairlift back to the top.